Open to opportunities

Rachel Fowkes

@rachelfowkes

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Experienced education specialist focused on curriculum design and training.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for opportunities that allow me to innovate in curriculum design and training, fostering inclusive and effective learning environments.

I am a dedicated education specialist with extensive experience in curriculum design and training facilitation. Over the past several years, I have successfully managed projects that empower educators and improve instructional practices across various educational settings. My work has involved developing innovative curricula and training modules that cater to diverse learning environments, particularly in early childhood education.

Throughout my career, I have achieved significant milestones, such as creating a pre-primary curriculum for a USAID pilot in Malawi and designing gender equity modules for educators in Ghana. My commitment to data-driven instruction has enabled me to lead impactful training sessions and develop assessment tools that enhance learning outcomes for thousands of students. I thrive in collaborative environments where I can build relationships with stakeholders and contribute to the advancement of educational best practices.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

STEAM Advisor

Current

Auckland Park Preparatory School

Jan 2025 - Present (6 months)

I led multiple professional development sessions on the components of STEAM and the SAMR model. I also created a five year STEAM integration implementation plan for the school.

Project Manager

Play Africa

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Built networks of early childhood educators from diverse income quintiles and engaged in user-centered design principles to develop user-friendly tools. Wrote a 114-page early childhood STEM curriculum focused on climate change awareness. Built the confidence of over 250 early childhood educators through virtual, hybrid, and in-person training in play-based STEM learning.

Project Management User Centered Design Design Thinking Community Engagement Curriculum Development

Project Manager & Primary Education Specialist

One World Network of Schools

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)

Developed and maintained stakeholder relationships with various education organizations, creating strategies and implementation guides for adopting education best-practices. Created a pre-primary curriculum for a USAID early-childhood pilot in Malawi and developed a Training of the Trainers guide for a national literacy intervention. Built a Learning Management System to codify a school model and

Curriculum Design Stakeholder Management Knowledge Management USAID Projects Learning Management Systems Data Collection

Learning Designer

Instill Education

Sep 2020 - Present (4 years 10 months)

Designed virtual training modules for in-service and pre-service teachers across South Africa, Ghana, and Kenya. Developed blended learning course content for B.Ed and Post Graduate Teaching degrees, including online modules for the University of Winneba, Ghana. Created 8 gender equity modules for educators and school leaders to promote girls in STEM and advance equitable leadership.

Curriculum Development Online Modules

Academic Manager and Data-Driven Instruction Specialist

Streetlight Schools

Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 6 months)

Built professional development strategy, scope, and sequence, while coaching and mentoring teachers in education best-practices. Led strategic planning, developed assessment tools, and analyzed data outcomes to inform instruction. Designed a learner-centered pedagogical approach using a workshop model for all classes (grade R-7) and developed project-based learning skills in teachers.

Professional Development Strategic Planning Assessment Design Project Based Learning

Team Leader and Primary School Teacher

American International School of Johannesburg

Aug 2013 - Present (11 years 11 months)

Planned, taught, and assessed classes of primary school learners, providing strategic planning and support to achieve positive learner outcomes. Wrote the grade 1 curricula using the Understanding by Design model. Developed creative writing units on narrative non-fiction, opinion writing, and personal essay.

Curriculum Development Strategic Planning Classroom Management Assessments Understanding By Design Creative Writing

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

George Mason University

Master's Degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages

Grade: Summa Cum Laude

Completed a Master's Degree focusing on curriculum design and instructional strategies. Specialized in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

St. Olaf College

Bachelor of Arts Degree, Sociology/Anthropology & Religion

Grade: Cum Laude

Pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual focus on Sociology/Anthropology and Religion. Gained a comprehensive understanding of societal structures, cultural dynamics, and religious studies.